Ben Johnson’s departure from the Detroit Lions to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears has sparked mixed reactions, especially in light of the Lions’ surprising Divisional Round playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. While Johnson’s innovative offensive schemes were key to Detroit’s regular-season success, his final performance with the team has drawn criticism from some of his peers.
Criticism of Johnson’s Final Game
In the playoff loss, the Lions’ offense appeared to falter in critical moments, raising questions about Johnson’s play-calling under pressure. Observers noted:
- Predictable Play-Calling: Johnson’s usual creativity seemed absent at times, with Washington effectively anticipating key plays.
- Failure to Adjust: The Commanders’ defense, led by a strong front seven, disrupted Detroit’s game plan, and Johnson was criticized for not making effective mid-game adjustments.
- Clock Management Concerns: Late-game sequences highlighted questionable time management and decision-making, areas that could come under scrutiny as Johnson transitions to a head coaching role.
Praise for Johnson’s Overall Work
Despite the criticism of his final game, Johnson remains highly respected for his transformative impact on the Lions’ offense. Under his leadership, Detroit boasted one of the league’s most balanced and explosive units, with quarterback Jared Goff enjoying a career resurgence. His ability to scheme for the Lions’ strengths and unlock the potential of their offensive line and skill players earned him recognition as one of the league’s brightest offensive minds.
The Challenge Ahead in Chicago
As Johnson begins his tenure with the Bears, he faces the task of proving that his success in Detroit was no fluke. He’ll be expected to rebuild a struggling Bears team while demonstrating growth in areas like in-game adjustments and situational awareness. Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in Johnson’s abilities, but also noted the importance of consistency:
“You’re judged on your body of work, but also on how you finish. Ben has all the tools to succeed, but every challenge is different.”
The Lions, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly to maintain their offensive momentum. Johnson’s exit leaves a significant void, but Dan Campbell’s focus on finding a replacement who aligns with the team’s identity suggests they’ll look to keep building on their success.
In the Lions’ 37-31 Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders, Detroit’s offense showcased both its explosive potential and its vulnerabilities. While the unit amassed 521 total yards and averaged an impressive 7.7 yards per play, key situational shortcomings contributed to their defeat.
Offensive High Points
- Big Plays and Efficiency:
Detroit’s offense excelled in chunk plays, particularly in the first half, driving the ball downfield with precision. Jared Goff and the Lions’ wide receiver corps connected for multiple explosive gains, supported by a balanced rushing attack. - First-Half Dominance:
The Lions scored 21 points in the first half, demonstrating the creativity and rhythm that characterized their success all season. Ben Johnson’s play-calling in the opening 30 minutes kept the Commanders’ defense on its heels.
Second-Half Struggles
- Scoring Drought:
Detroit managed just 10 points in the second half, with Washington’s defense making adjustments to limit big plays and forcing the Lions into longer third-down situations. - Third-Down Inefficiency:
The Lions converted only 33.3% (4 of 12) of their third-down attempts, a stark contrast to their usual success in these situations. This inability to sustain drives kept their defense on the field and allowed Washington to claw back into the game. - Turnover on Downs:
A pivotal fourth-down failure late in the game further highlighted the Lions’ struggles to execute in high-leverage moments, raising questions about the predictability of play-calling in critical situations.
Commanders’ Adjustments
Washington’s defense, led by its formidable front seven, capitalized on Detroit’s tendency to rely on certain personnel packages. By generating pressure and disrupting Goff’s timing, the Commanders forced the Lions into uncomfortable positions and capitalized on their mistakes.
Looking Ahead
While the Lions’ offensive output was impressive on paper, the disparity between their first and second-half performances underscores the need for better in-game adjustments. Ben Johnson’s transition to head coach of the Bears will place additional scrutiny on his ability to handle such moments moving forward. For Detroit, finding a coordinator who can maintain their offensive identity while improving situational execution will be paramount as they aim to build on their successful 2024 campaign.
The Detroit Lions’ Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders has left fans and analysts alike questioning key decisions made in the game, particularly those of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. With the Lions’ Super Bowl aspirations dashed, Johnson’s final performance in Detroit is under scrutiny even as he transitions to his new role as head coach of the Chicago Bears.
Criticism of Johnson’s Second-Half Decisions
Speaking to The Athletic, a veteran NFL coach highlighted a critical flaw in Johnson’s approach: abandoning the run game in the second half. Despite dominating on the ground in the first two quarters, Johnson shifted focus to the passing game, a decision some believe played a role in the Lions’ inability to close out the game.
Key Points of Criticism
- First-Half Rushing Success:
The Lions’ rushing attack was highly effective in the first half, controlling the tempo and setting up favorable situations for quarterback Jared Goff. However, Detroit moved away from this strategy after halftime, opting instead for a more pass-heavy approach. - Impact on the Defense:
By not committing to the run, the Lions’ offense had shorter, less time-consuming drives, which put additional strain on an injury-depleted defense that struggled to contain Washington’s offensive attack. - Lack of Adjustments:
The Commanders’ defense began to anticipate Detroit’s passing tendencies, leading to stalled drives and missed opportunities to put the game out of reach.
The Bigger Picture
For a team that many expected to make a deep playoff run, the loss was a bitter end to an otherwise promising season. Johnson’s departure, along with that of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, signals a period of transition for the Lions, who must now find replacements capable of maintaining the team’s upward trajectory.
Legacy of the Game
While Johnson’s tenure in Detroit will largely be remembered for revitalizing the Lions’ offense and helping Jared Goff reclaim his status as a top-tier quarterback, the second-half collapse against Washington will linger as a blemish. The decision to abandon the run serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and adaptability, particularly in high-pressure postseason games.
As Johnson takes on his new role in Chicago, he will need to demonstrate that he has learned from this experience, particularly in managing game situations and crafting strategies that account for all phases of the game. Meanwhile, the Lions must regroup and find leadership that can help them take the next step toward championship contention.
Ben Johnson’s final game as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator is being remembered not only for the team’s early success but also for the costly decisions that contributed to their 45-31 Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders.
Ground Game Dominance and Missed Opportunity
The Lions were unstoppable on the ground, with Jahmyr Gibbs leading an effort that totaled 201 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and an astonishing 8.7 yards per carry. Despite this dominance, Johnson drastically reduced rushing attempts in the second half, opting for more pass-heavy sequences that disrupted the offensive rhythm. Critics argue that sticking with the run would have been the most effective way to maintain control, support the defense, and keep the game within reach.
The Trick Play That Sealed the Loss
A particularly contentious moment came late in the game when Johnson dialed up a reverse pass for wide receiver Jameson Williams. With Detroit trailing by 10 points, Williams was tasked with throwing deep, but the play backfired as his ill-advised throw resulted in an interception.
Criticism of the Decision:
- Risky Call in a Crucial Moment:
With possessions at a premium, the choice to put the ball in the hands of a non-quarterback drew ire from analysts and fellow coaches alike. One veteran coach described the play as overly aggressive and ill-timed, questioning the logic of asking an inexperienced passer to attempt such a high-risk throw. - Game-Sealing Mistake:
The interception not only ended a promising drive but also dashed any realistic hopes of a Lions comeback. It became one of five turnovers on the day and underscored the team’s struggles in high-pressure moments.
Johnson’s Next Chapter in Chicago
As Johnson transitions to head coach of the Chicago Bears, he inherits a far more challenging offensive situation:
- Weaker Offensive Line:
Unlike Detroit’s elite unit, the Bears’ offensive line remains a work in progress. Johnson will need to devise schemes to protect Caleb Williams and create opportunities for success despite the disparity in talent. - Caleb Williams’ Development:
The top pick in the 2024 draft showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie but also struggled with pocket awareness, taking an alarming number of sacks. Johnson’s task will be to help Williams play within the structure of the offense while improving his decision-making under pressure. - Skill Player Deficiencies:
The Bears lack the high-end weapons Johnson worked with in Detroit. Replicating his offensive success will require maximizing production from a less dynamic roster.
Legacy of the Divisional Round
The Lions’ playoff exit marked the end of an impressive offensive era under Johnson but also highlighted his areas for growth as a coach. His decisions, particularly in abandoning the run and deploying a risky trick play, will serve as lessons as he begins his tenure in Chicago. Whether he can adapt and thrive in a more challenging environment will be one of the key storylines in the NFL’s 2025 season.
For Detroit, the focus shifts to finding a coordinator who can build on Johnson’s foundation while addressing the situational weaknesses that surfaced in the team’s disappointing postseason exit.
